AI/ML Ops Engineer

Job Description

Job Description: AI/ML Ops Engineer

Position Overview

The AI/ML Ops Cloud Engineer will lead the development and stewardship of the enterprise-wide MLOps framework, ensuring consistent standards, lifecycle governance, and monitoring across all AI/ML initiatives. This role will also contribute to the design, delivery, and support of reusable AI products that can be scaled across operating companies, enabling faster innovation and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Enterprise MLOps Ownership
  • Architect and own the MLOps framework for the enterprise, including lifecycle management, governance, and operational standards (Azure and Databricks)
  • Define and enforce best practices for model deployment, monitoring, and retraining across business units
  • Establish enterprise-wide observability for AI/ML models, including performance tracking, data drift detection, and alerting
• Cloud Infrastructure & Automation
  • Build and manage scalable, secure cloud-native infrastructure (Azure) for AI/ML workloads
  • Automate deployment pipelines using CI/CD tools and Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
  • Ensure high availability, fault tolerance, and compliance across environments
• Reusable AI Product Enablement
  • Collaborate with cross-operating company teams to design reusable AI components and services
  • Support delivery and lifecycle management of AI products across operating companies
  • Develop shared templates, APIs, and deployment patterns to accelerate adoption
• Security, Compliance & Collaboration
  • Implement enterprise-grade security and compliance controls for AI/ML systems
  • Partner with data engineering, DevOps, and business stakeholders to align infrastructure with strategic goals
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to teams adopting MLOps practices

Qualifications

• Educational Background: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Experience: Proven experience (5+ years) in cloud engineering or DevOps with 2+ years in MLOps or AI infrastructure, Data Engineering, ML Engineering, or similar role.
• Technical Skills: Deep expertise in Python. Experience with machine learning frameworks and libraries like PyTorch, or scikit-learn.
• Experience with ML lifecycle tools like MLflow.
• Cloud Platforms: Experience with cloud computing services (Azure preferred) and their machine learning tools.
• Big Data Technologies: Familiarity with big data processing tools such as Databricks, Apache Spark, and Kafka. Familiarity with data integration and scalable pipeline design. Experience with SQL and understanding of relational and NoSQL databases.
• Analytical Mindset: Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex data sets.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications: Relevant certifications in AI, ML, or data engineering.
• Industry Experience: Experience in the energy sector is a plus.
• Experience building low-code solutions using Microsoft Power Apps, especially for operational workflows or AI product interfaces
• Experience designing reusable AI products or services in a multi-business environment
• Project Management: Experience with Agile methodologies and project management tools.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and resources

About Us

About Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonawards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

About the Team

Southern Company Services